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Episode 1 Questions
You decide the top 5 questions to ask for a video response by doctors!
After each episode, submit your questions about the show and then “vote up” the ones you want to see answered. The top five questions chosen by all of you will be answered by the doctors with a video response.
Voting Deadline for Episode 1 Q+A: June 30, 2008 at 11:59 pm
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DON-Have you developed a bit of an inferiority complex with regards to the nursing profession?
Submitted by: RB, 06/30/2008 20:26:24 -
Yes- Dr. Quinones broke the law when he came to the US. Has he not paid for his "crime" by working everyday to save American lives. He has been in this country for over 20 years and is a US citizen. How many US citizens are alive and well due to the fact that Dr. Q jumped that fence? It is very easy to judge others when you are comfortable with enough food in your belly. Perhaps the problem is that Dr. Q ( The Mexican) has achieved what most Americans cannot. He is a top brain surgeon because of hard work, determination and dedication. I hope that his critics on here never need his services. Dr. Quinones is an asset to this country and we as Americans should be thankful that Dr. Q was agile enough to hop that fence.
Submitted by: Anna , 06/30/2008 20:15:19 -
Nurse Surrette raises a number of points that deserve clarification. First, I refer to the mocking tone with which Sandy Summers describes the physicians featured in this show, and her general attitude to the role of physician in the health care setting - disregarding it as one of the many bit parts played in the healthcare setting. Unfortunately, Nurse Surrette belies her own concurrence with this belief, which further epitomizes the blurring of roles in the healthcare setting that I spoke of earlier in my first post. She states that adding the word "medicine" to the title of the show would not do anything to ease the rancor among the allied health professions, since nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and pharmacists all practice medicine as well. This is where I will flatly state that she is WRONG, and call on her to cease in using seemingly trivial semantics to dangerously confuse the public. Surrette trained at a school of NURSING, just as pharmacists train at schools of PHARMACY, physician assistants trained at schools of ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES, dentists train at a school of DENTISTRY, optometrists train at schools of OPTOMETRY. She did not train at a school of MEDICINE (I don't know of any medical school that trains nurses). Together, ALL of these professions make up the HEALTHCARE profession, and each has their role. But to say that you practice medicine is confusing to patients, and also an exercise in self-deception.
Submitted by: Dom, 06/30/2008 19:34:05
The point I want to make is that healthcare is run by teams of people, and each person has a role to play. The problems arise when everyone on the team wants to play quarterback. Obviously, we can see how a football team might not function properly when everyone wants to play one role or the other - it's the classic case of "too many chiefs and not enough indians." To be sure, nurses work with doctors, not for them, but to imply that they can do everything a doctor can, or that their utility in a healthcare setting is equal to that of a doctor, is again disingenuous. Why then the difference in length of education. Nurses and doctors train in specifically different areas. You will note Nurse Surrette had nothing to say about my main point about medicine - that it is the physicians on the healthcare team who ultimately have full responsibility for healthcare decisions in the inpatient setting (in short, they get sued for malpractice, not nurses. they get woken up in the middle of the night by nurses when something goes wrong, not nurses), and the attendant requirements in terms of knowledge of pathophysiology and treatment are far beyond those of nurses. This is why debating comments like "nurses also make decisions (so to physical therapist, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, etc)" and "nurses also have continuing medical education" is moot. That like saying "Tom Brady runs, and so do I. I obviously can do Tom Brady's job."
I overheard a scary thing on the train the other day. My line passes one of the local medical centers, and 2 nurses were sitting nearby. They were carrying on about new residents (ironically), and one said "If you took all the doctors out of the hospital, and left the nurses, everything would be fine." Wow. What a frightening thought. What was more frightening was that the other seemed to concur. I doubt that when we get in car accidents and get rushed to the hospital, or our father is in the ICU and suddenly crashes or develops a condition requiring emergent surgery, that anyone would agree with this statement.
I can't end without stating what is also obvious to anyone who's been a patient. Nurses are always there, doing things for us that we wouldn't do if we could. And to this day, some doctors don't treat them with the respect and regard they deserve for being on the front line, taking vitals, delivering medications, and actually DOING what doctors write on the "orders" sheet before walking away. The saying "Behind every good doctor is a GREAT nurse" may sound cheesy, but for the most part, it's true.
In short, nurses and doctors aren't better than one another. But they are apples and oranges, and have different roles in the great big wonderful boat that is healthcare. But objectively doctors bear the major role in the heathcare setting for patient care - and I think we as a society rightfully honor that, considering the requirements it takes to get there. Medical school still remains the most selective form of graduate education in the United States. You can't go straight into medicine out of high school. They reject more that half of applicants every year, and those who get in work damn hard to get there. It is again disingenuous to imply, as Surrette does, that more people would want to be nurses if the media didn't make doctors look so good. That's foolish. Would anyone here like to life the life that the residents on this show live? Better yet, do you honestly believe you could do what they could do - considering the time, energy, money, and competition. Most of us would be in the "wouldn't/couldn't" group.
We wouldn't say "The president is a citizen of this country and so am I. He's no more important to the country than me (hahahaha, perhaps a bad analogy)." Why would people like Surrette want to think otherwise in the healthcare setting?
As a disclaimer, I'm no doctor. But I have plenty of family members who are, and I have also been a patient, so I think I know what I'm talking about. Finally, my fiance was a nurse who is currently in medical school. I'm proud of you ; )
Props to the directors of the show. -
I agree wholeheartedly with Jennifer Surette. The Docs get glorified at the expense of the nurses, who do all the hard work -- and save the docs' bacon most of the time.
Submitted by: doug wilder, 06/30/2008 19:32:49 -
I plan to become and surgeon and i was wondering if it's possible to be a surgeon and also have a family and be a good mother? Also, after going through medical school and residencey, looking back would you pick a different career?
Submitted by: Amelia Hill, 06/30/2008 17:49:31 -
I plan to become and surgeon and i was wondering if it's possible to be a surgeon and also have a family and be a good mother? Also, after going through medical school and residencey, looking back would you pick a different career?
Submitted by: Amelia Hill, 06/30/2008 17:47:55 -
Don, as a registered nurse I found your reply to Sandy Summers not only riddled with inaccuracies but also eye opening in how flagrantly you show your disregard for our profession. Is this really how others view nursing? How sad. For starters, it is difficult for me to understand how you find Ms. Summers to be "blinded by her biases against physicians" as you never list any examples of said biases. Her article is clearly taking on the creators of shows such as Hopkins and Grey's Anatomy for their inaccurate portrayal of doctors. In fact, I can't find an example of her saying anything specifically detrimental about real-life physician roles only rather the flawed portrayal they receive by the media. Perhaps you simply agree MD's are deserving of that deity status and anyone who challenges such a ludicrous notion must have a "bias against physicians".
Submitted by: Jennifer Surette RN BSN, 06/30/2008 17:16:22
I also feel changing the name would do little to alleviate the dangerous misconceptions these shows give the public, especially if you truly believe that adding the word "medicine" relieves creators any responsibility of accurately portraying the role of other professions in the medical field. I am quite certain the nurses, physical and respiratory therapists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and all other members of the clinical healthcare team at Johns Hopkins rightfully consider themselves to have chosen careers within the medical profession.
I am curious to know what statistics you were citing when you stated nurses were traditionally mostly women but that is "by no means" the case today. In 2006 only 5.7% of the nurses in the U.S. were men according to the American Nurses Association, that despite recent increases in the number of males entering the profession. The truth is a vast disparity remains in recruiting men into nursing.
Interestingly enough, many of your comments regarding the nursing profession highlighted your own biases. Your suggestion that nurses should somehow not be actively involved in healthcare decisions regarding their patients both disgusted and perplexed me as that describes a key role of a nurse. Who then would make important clinical decisions in the face of say, a healthcare emergency? TV may suggest otherwise but the physician is often only within arms reach of the patient for 5 minutes a day. How frightening to suggest a nurse, the professional generally first on the scene during a medical crisis and quite often the one who initially observes and notifies the physician of such clinical changes, should be unable to make decisions autonomously!
It's easy to see why you'd be so misinformed over the capabilities and expertise of qualified nurses after reading your impression of an education in nursing. For starters, it takes 4 years to train a nurse merely for entry into a graduate level position. New graduate nurses then take further orientation and coursework to prepare them for the field of nursing they are entering and in no way become "experts" in that field until years later. This expertise comes not only from clinical experience but also through continuing education requirements. Alas, it seems I've stumbled across yet another example of the countless areas in which you're misinformed, as nurses, like MD's are required to maintain certain requirements to keep their license, including continuing education. Likewise you forgot to mention that nurse practitioners are generally required a minimum of 2 years clinical experience (though I suspect most obtain much more) before they enter their 2 years of concentrated education to get a Masters in their area of advanced practice. Also, several recent research studies have shown their care to be equal or better to that of physicians. Sadly even glowing reports based on solid evidence cannot shake the underlying belief many like you possess that nurses are inferior to physicians.
Lastly, you seem to blame the nursing shortage on many of your perceived threats to the integrity of those who practice medicine. I wonder if you have ever considered some of the causes of the nursing shortage. If all you say is correct (a myth I've hopefully debunked by now), and doctors go to school longer to make less money and work more hours then nurses then why aren't people pounding down the doors to get into the profession? If you are familiar with Ms. Gordon's work with the Center for Nursing Advocacy you might be aware that many believe the current physician-centric propaganda fed to us by the media discourages bright and talented individuals from considering nursing a serious or worthwhile profession. Do you think anyone reading your comments would be inspired to pursue nursing?
I believe shows like this do have an effect on public perception and it is comments like your own that drives home just how misinformed people are about my chosen profession. I hope my response gives some insight into the fact there are plenty of noble reasons for Ms. Summers and others to get fired up over inaccurate shows such as this one beyond your laughable notion she is some ancient battle-axe nurse with a vendetta against physicians.
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Brian - Have you tried to date Dr. Boyle? She seems to have it going on. But, unlike those ladies in the bar, I bet she wouldn't be impressed by the fact that you're a doctor.
Submitted by: Harry, 06/30/2008 13:34:46 -
I started to watch this show with my son but after realizing that you featured a doctor (Quinones-Hinojosa) who broke the law numerous times to get where he's at I turned it off. I want my children to learn that things in life aren't free for the taking or that it's OK to break the law to get what you want. Shame on the producers for inserting a 'politically correct' slant on the issue of illegal immigration and shame on them for showcasing this doctor as some sort of hero to emulate. The message here appears to be 'why do the right things to get where you want when you can get them faster by stealing them'?
Submitted by: kevin, 06/30/2008 12:56:26 -
One of ABC's descriptions of the show states something to the effect that resident workloads have decreased by 1/3 since the 2000 visit. As the spouse of a (non-Hopkins) CT surgery fellow, I know this is not really an accurate characterization of the duty hour restrictions- particularly in surgery. It would be nice to see someone address this (not that I want anyone to get in trouble with the RRC...). Maybe address the impact on patients and training, and talk about what the proposed 57-hour workweek will mean to surgeons in training.
Submitted by: rebecca, 06/30/2008 11:35:24
Of course 57 hours a week would help my marriage and family, but not my husband's surgical skills... please show more of the CT surgeon's wife's perspective, becuase spouses take the brunt of all this professional choice and get none of the glory or gratification... just the missed Christmases, anniversary dinners, etc., the loneliness, and, for many years, the financial stress of a resident's salary plus a resident's loans...
Also
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No Question. Someone really needs to reply to "Ann" and her anti-immigration views. Dr. Q is a role model and inspiration to those who have made it their home in US after so many years. Dr. Q didn't cross the border yesterday or two years ago. I believe his inspiration is to those who have been here and seek legal residency or citizenship after making their life and their families in this great country. My parents came to this country in the same manner Dr. Q entered and now they are proud citizens with proud children who contribute to society every working day. If you support immigration reform for those that have called America their home, please visit www.immigrationpac.org. A website that focuses on rational immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for those who want to contribute to the "American Dream" we all share.
Submitted by: Jose Jara, 06/30/2008 02:57:29
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Are PSA results between 1.8 and 2.2 good for a man in his 40's?
Submitted by: packerfan, 06/30/2008 02:22:50
Should a man be re-evaluated if microscopic blood in the urine was found but previous results revealed no for sure reason for why blood was in urine...plus current urine results are showing none? -
If someone has microscopic blood in their urine...and after testing, CT scans, cystoscopy, ect....no cause was found for it....should they be worried anymore about it. Especially, since further urine tests showed no traces after that?....should a person be re evaluated with any tests in the future? If so, when and what? Are PSA levels between 1.8 and 2.2 good for a man in his 40's?
Submitted by: packerfan, 06/30/2008 02:18:50 -
DR. Q, I thought I remembered you roaming the hallways of UCSF.
Submitted by: JOE A. PASION, 06/30/2008 01:35:07
Congratulations on your success! You're a wonderful doctor and
inspiration to us all! -
In response to Sandy Summers,
Submitted by: Dom, 06/30/2008 00:07:10
The author is right to point out that many roles played in the healthcare setting by not only physicians and nurses, but also pharmacists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, medical assistants, patient care techs, etc. Unfortunately, she seems blinded by her biases against physicians, and perhaps a lifetime of bitter experiences that helped build them, to see the specific objective of this documentary, which is to overcome the stereotypes our society has about physicians and medicine; specifically, the image of physicians as wealthy, intellectual demigods with seemingly perfect lives - the hospital drama paradigm. Instead, she seems content to help her cause by exploiting and perpetuating them.
The documentary film makers might have done well to call the show "Hopkins Medicine" instead of "Hopkins," since many seem to take umbrage at the insinuation the Hopkins healthcare is solely about physicians - a position I doubt any of the 3 doctors featured would support. By specifically limiting the show's title to describe those who have trained in and practice the art and science of medicine, it would have relieved the ambiguity and attendant expectations of people like Ms. Summers.
Unfortunately, medicine's misogynist past - and in a day in age when the majority of those entering medicine are women, it is in fact the past - continues to make it a target among it's past victims, including older nurses, who traditionally (but by no means today) have been women. To be sure, the flames have been fanned by the popular media, which has colluded in perpetuating the "demigod" stereotype. Such bitterness has fueled moves for ambiguity in the healthcare setting, where the roles of medicine and nursing have been blurred, at the patients' cost. Too often, nurses insist to be considered decision makers or equals in patient care outside of the scope of their training. Hospital adminstrators - desperate to fill empty nursing positions in a national shortage - are all to keen to aid them, and the result at some (but by no means all or even most) hospitals is a nursing staff that seems content to pick and choose doctors treatment plans as they see fit. This should disturb all of us, as potential and likely future patients. It takes 4 years to train a nurse, and +2 for an NP: it takes at least 12 to train a doctor, more for a specialist. Meanwhile, at graduation, a new physican will have 2 x the debt, but while working longer hours, make 1/2 to 2/3 the salary of a new nurse. Physicians bear full liability for their patients care for as long as the patient is under their care, and must be dedicated to a lifetime of continued education to provide the best care. Nurses have no such liability, and leave the hospital at the end of their 8 hour shift, and will only think about their patients when they sign in the next day. I hope this show can help the public fully understand this travesty as a microcosm of the forces affecting the practice of medicine, and understand why medicine - once seen as a spiritually rewarding vocation for some of America's best and brightest - is becoming increasingly unpopular among college students, at our own peril.
Yes, Sandy Summers, Drs. Quinones, Bethea, and Boyle are also imperfect human beings like you.
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I live on the other side of the country and we have a HUGE problem with ILLEGAL immigrants. Dr. Q doesn't help solve the problem, only encourages other to commit illegal acts. All I can say is that he learned English and that shows that he knows he would not be where he is today without learning a new language. Still, I don't think his actions should be glorified, which he is trying to do. Many in California, Arizona and New Mexico are sick and tired of the illegal immigrants and what they stand for and the the problems they cause. If they are good for this country, why did California pass a law stating only ENGLISH can be taught in public schools? Because too many immigrants from Central America and Asia are too lazy, disrepectful and ungrateful to actually get off the street corner and go to an English as a second language class. Maybe Dr. Q can drive them to one if he feels so strongly that all can achieve what he has.
Submitted by: Ann, 06/29/2008 23:24:12 -
More of a statement. Thank you Dr. Quinones!!!
Submitted by: Christopher Kappell, 06/29/2008 23:20:29 -
At what point in your lives did you all decide to pursue medicine? For me, I started out as a business major and only recently decided to go into medicine. Currently I am working in respiratory therapy however I plan on going back to school for a biology program. I will not be able to start medical school until at least the age of 26, probably later. How is age perceived among medical doctors? Do you have similar experiences or have colleagues that may be in my position? Thanks for your attention and everything that you do.
Submitted by: Paul , 06/29/2008 18:18:29 -
Dr. Bethea: Would you prefer dating someone in the medical field over dating someone that is not?
Submitted by: Lisa, 06/29/2008 16:19:45 -
Brian: You're way cool man. Love your style. Is it easier to pick up chicks in bars now as a Hopkins doctor than when you were simply in medical school. What are you best pick up lines?
Submitted by: Phillip McCrevice, 06/29/2008 13:12:15 -
Knowing what you know now concerning the long hours, no sleep, and most important of them all being family problems you face, would you still consider your 8 years in cardiothoracic surgical residency worth it.
Submitted by: Samuel Parmar, 06/29/2008 01:19:52 -
Terence Wrong's "Hopkins," just like his comparable 2000 series "Hopkins 24/7," are both series are exercises in physician glorification, constantly reinforcing the false impression that only physicians matter in hospitals. Mr. Wrong's new series is more focused on the residents, and it is plainly patterned after ABC's popular drama "Grey's Anatomy," which it follows in the ABC Thursday schedule. In fact, as a documentary, "Hopkins" is "Grey's Anatomy"--more realistic dialogue, but the same obsession with physicians' work and personal lives, and as a result, the same narrow and distorted view of hospital care. No nurses were clearly identified in the premiere, though we think that one woman who briefly gave basic information to the wife of a vasectomy reversal patient was probably a nurse. The ABC "Hopkins" website's 22 "Doctor Profiles" actually include two pediatric transport nurses, along with 20 physicians and medical students. The video clip for one nurse is about her night out drinking wine with other nurses. But in the 1 1/2 minute video clip for the other profiled nurse, several nurses actually get the chance to show some expertise in trying to resuscitate a patient--genuinely impressive. If these two clips air, they will comprise about 1/90 of the series. But wait, that's not all--previews for the second episode suggest that one resident will also explain why "dating nurses is tricky"!
Submitted by: Sandy Summers, 06/28/2008 22:55:53
The ABC News web site says that "Hopkins" "delves even deeper into the world of caregivers" at the hospital than "Hopkins 24/7" did. That does not seem to mean going much "deeper" into the work of the great majority of Johns Hopkins "caregivers," who are not physicians, but just looking more closely at physicians' personal lives. But two of the 22 profiles in the web site's "Doctor Profiles" section are about pediatric transport nurses! Neither has a doctorate, but we wouldn't want to change the section title to something more general, which might confuse people about who really matters. One nurse is commendably listed as having a BSN and an MPH. Her sole web video is "Night Out with the Nurses," about how the transport team goes out and drinks wine to relieve stress. But the other nurse's video, "Medical Team Fights to Save a Life," is just that--and it shows nurses displaying leadership and expertise and doing most of the work! If these scenes air, almost 3 of the series' roughly 270 minutes will be devoted mostly to nurses.
TV Guide's preview piece on "Hopkins" went so far as to call the show the "real Grey's Anatomy," and to actually line three of the profiled physicians up against their supposed "Grey's" counterparts. The only mention of nurses in that story was in the profile of an attractive cardiothoracic surgery fellow. We learn that the surgeon is someone "the Hopkins nurses say looks like McSteamy," a hunky surgeon character on "Grey's," who is not to be confused with the much hotter "McDreamy." The nurses' main role, evidently, is to help viewers understand the far more interesting physicians--just like on "Grey's"!
The first episode of "Hopkins" profiles three physicians: a neurosurgeon who entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico 20 years ago, the first female urology attending at Hopkins, and the cardiothoracic surgery fellow. The cameras follow the physicians around, and the physicians describe their past and current lives, the basic nature of their work, and what is going on with their cases. The neurosurgeon's life is a bit of a Horatio Alger story, as he overcame great obstacles to become (we are informed) one of the nation's top four neurosurgeons. The urologist handles touchy issues of male health with aplomb, and in really high heels. And the cardiothoracic fellow performs procedures even as he tells us, again and again, that the oppressive hours are endangering his marriage.
As these physicians move through the hospital, we do get a very basic sense of a few patients' health problems. But there is little context, little of the big health care picture, just a strong sense of wonder about physician achievement. The other hospital staff are bit players, providing quiet support, absorbing physician requests, occasionally bumbling. Nurses are less present or active in a few clinical scenes than we would expect, notably in a scene in which the cardiothoracic surgeon inserts a chest tube, causing great pain. This is a trend in hospital documentaries. Nurses sometimes seem to have been largely or completely evacuated from clinical events and settings in which they would normally play a major role. We can only assume the nurses were told, or chose, to get out of the way of the physician drama.
Based on the first episode, "Hopkins" will deliver the same basic messages viewers have heard a thousand times: Physicians are brilliant life-saving demigods and they are increasingly diverse, but their work requires great personal sacrifice. If you want to learn something about the people of Charm City and those who labor heroically to help them through famous local institutions, try HBO's quietly wrenching "Hard Times at Douglass High." That documentary, about the state of Baltimore public schools, premiered the same day as "Hopkins." But it manages to distinguish real life from McDreamies.
The Center for Nursing Advocacy
www.nursingadvocacy.org -
I would like to thank you Dr. Quinones for taking time to call me personally. I am Olga, my brother Carlos Cordoba died from a brain aneurism..my questions are: Does a person have to have all the symptoms to have a brain aneurism..when a person need surgery, what is meant by the harder part of the brain to get to? What can the children and siblings do to prevent an aneurism? I would also like to raise awareness for brain aneurisms. As a Mexican-American I am so proud of your hard work and dedication. By the way, my niece wants to be a doctor. This show is great. Keep up the fantastic work. Sincerely, Olga Cordoba Ondush
Submitted by: OLGA CORDOBA ONDUSH, 06/28/2008 19:32:11 -
Dr. Quinones...I hope u remember me, I wrote to you concerning my brother Carlos Cordoba. He died of a brain aneurism. I wanted to thank you for responding and calling me back..now my niece is getting into the medical field..and wants to be a doctor. But I just want to ask you: what if a person does not have any symptoms..is there any way to prevent an aneurism in the brain ? I also am very interested in raising awareness for aneurisms...I would also like to know if there is anything that my family, my brothers children and myself can do to prevent a brain aneurism...I am so happy for you..ur a great man and I am also Mexican American..we are so proud of your hard work and dedication. Sincerely...Olga
Submitted by: OLGA C. ONDUSH, 06/28/2008 19:21:26 -
No questions, just wanted to say congratulations with this show, I hope it can last a little longer... and to tell all the doctors that they are wonderful. Specially Dr. Q. me and my husband loved to see the human side in you and I think that is the most important thing... not only to admit that you are so smart. Wish all the Doctors and team the best luck and God Bless You all!!!
Submitted by: Lilly Ramirez, 06/28/2008 19:09:04 -
Dr. Bethea, most of the people in America seem to disapprove of airing your dirty laundry on public tv. Does this bother you? You made the choice. Your family did not. I hope my question is chosen so you can discuss your choice on video.
Submitted by: Harvey, 06/28/2008 15:20:16 -
Dear Dr. Boyle,
Submitted by: Melissa , 06/28/2008 02:35:42
I'm happy to you are on the front line in breaking traditional male dominated specialties. How do you handle individuals that keep questioning your decision to pursue urology? There are many male ob/gyn physicians and our society never gives any thought to that. -
Why aren't nurses and others profiled as much on this show? Doctors are important but there are a whole range of people that keep that place at the top of the medical community. they should be more recognised.
Submitted by: John, 06/28/2008 01:58:35 -
Yes, My Wife Has Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome.We Both Watch Your Show We Was Wandering If You Could Help .Thanks
Submitted by: David Mccord, 06/27/2008 23:49:04 -
I read Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa's story in the Readers Digest and was so impressed by him that I showed the article to anyone who would listen. He is such an inspiration to all, not just Mexican Americans, anyone from any race. When I tuned into this program and found him to be one of the Dr's I was hooked. Keep up the good work!!
Submitted by: Heby Orozco, 06/27/2008 22:15:34
My question: Have you thought about going back to Mexico and offering your expertise to the medical field there?
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I am frankly amazed by Dr. Q. His life story is incredile and makes me grateful to be US citizen. He imspires me to do more with my life. So many people take for granted the opportunities we are offered in this country and here is someone who fought for that. Regardless of the fact he came here illegally, he is a great man and allows others to continue living their life. Despite his intelligence, he has an awesome personality and has a warm heart which doctors often lack. This show has made me rethink my future goals in the science field. Thanks ABC and of course Dr.Q!
Submitted by: Lisa Avellino, 06/27/2008 21:52:18 -
Why do you brag so much about illegally coming into the US? Are you proud of the fact that you broke the law? Be proud to be an American now and of the fact that this country gave you what you have. Maybe you would be more respected if you had gone through the process legally. Also, stop treating your employees so terribly. I was watching the show wondering what your turnover rate is. If I had a boss like you, who promoted illegal actions, I would quit in a second.
Submitted by: Ann, 06/27/2008 21:30:15 -
How can I obtain a DVD copy of Episose 1? Thank You
Submitted by: Ron Rose, 06/27/2008 21:26:15 -
you seem like a wonderful doctor,But more importantly I don't give a fig how you got to be in the U.S. I see the comments about you entering illegally and frankly The U.S should be glad you jumped the fence with the state of healthcare such as it is. I am a canadian and I truly wished you would have entered our country.We know how to say THANK YOU!!!!!!
Submitted by: sheila hiles, 06/27/2008 21:03:13 -
Not a question, but I had the privilege to have Dr. Q. remove my brain tumor two years and three months ago. Thankfully I had a low-grade tumor, and have no current problems or symptoms. Dr. Q. is remarkable and I admire him greatly! Anyone who'd criticize him hasn't ever needed his skills...
Submitted by: Tim Herman, 06/27/2008 19:52:28 -
I love the show. It obviously clear that these dedicated doctors love their jobs unlike some people who enter medical school due to parental pressure. I also like the personal stories of the doctors outside of the medical profession. They show the struggle of each person to find their own path in life and it makes the doctors more human. If I need help, I would definitely prefer to be one of their patients rather than choosing other doctors due to these factors. To the persons who criticize Dr. Quinones, wait until you have medical problem that needs Dr. Quinones' skills, would you come to him? What if you accept a U.S. citizen who is less skilled than Dr. Quinones to medical school? Would American society be worse off?
Submitted by: Phat Nguyen, 06/27/2008 19:47:47
Here is my question to the doctors since all of them are surgeons: The Economist magazine this week has an article about robot surgery, it says that even the most skilled surgeons are turning to robots for help since the robots are more precise with a scalpel/laser than a person could ever be and they can be much less invasive since they can enter the human body through extremely tiny holes, do you think that in the future robots will eventually replace most of the job of surgeons? How would you feel about it? -
Are bone lesions hereditary or where do they come from?
Submitted by: Jennifer Gray, 06/27/2008 19:44:40 -
Dr. Q
Submitted by: harley Quinn, 06/27/2008 18:34:23
What do you think of the comments left about you? What are your thoughts about immigrants? -
Dr. Bethea - What has happened as far as you and your wife go? Are you still together trying to work things out or are you going your separate ways? Do you think it was a wise decision to have three children when you are not at home the majority of the time to help care for them? Also, didn't your wife know what she was getting into when she married you? Long hours, not much of a personal life.......
Submitted by: Jesse, 06/27/2008 18:21:37 -
It is refreshing to see a program that is not only dedicated to the medical profession, but also represents many cultures, ethnicities, and genders. Do you feel you have opened some doors and encouraged others to reject the stereotypes associated with the medical profession? Has it been worth the hassle of having the cameras around you for many hours a day?
Submitted by: Kali - Nursing Student, 06/27/2008 18:15:54
Thank you for giving us a view into the medical world. The advancement in savings lives and increasing quality in medicine are remarkable. -
My daugher had a brain tumor removed six months ago. I was told this was a grade 1 tumor. Do you think she will have to take any treatments. I was told she might eventually, however, I would think she would do any treatment after surgery.
Submitted by: Beverly Johnson, 06/27/2008 18:02:40 -
Thank you for showing POSITIVE Mexican-American roll models! We need more of them; thank you ABC for bringing this show; which illustrates the important things in life. I will be praying for all of the patients from last nights show. I wish them all a speedy recovery and that they find whatever they were looking for. I will also pray for those who have posted very negative remarks about immigrants, shame on you. It is because of immigrants that this country is as strong and successful as it is today. I too, like Dr. Q., worked in the fields picking the fruits and vegetables that nourish us. We did not have things handed to us and we did not go on welfare; we worked our tails off for what we had. We earned it and we did so peacefully. We should be supportive of each other. Congratulations to Dr. Q. for showing the world that immigrants are smart and making a positive difference and for overcoming the obstacles that were put in front of him.
Submitted by: Imelda Gil, 06/27/2008 18:01:39
As for Dr. B.; you really should get more sleep! You can not make life changing decisions on two hours of sleep and this is both for your professional and personal aspects. I wish you all the best and I will continue to watch. -
Dr. Bethea: While you were performing the chest tube insertion, you stated to the patient that there was no other way to make it easier (I guess you meant less painful) on her. I would think that at a teaching facility you would be aware of and use conscious sedation to make your patient more comfortable during a very painful procedure. I realize in certain situations it is not feasible to use conscious sedation; however, in this instance I think it would have been justified.
Submitted by: Alisha, 06/27/2008 17:27:51 -
Will we be seeing Dr. Boyle treating any women that have bladder problems, such as never emptying, and going up to 25-30 times per day? I would like to know what her treatment would be.
Submitted by: Sheila Briggs, 06/27/2008 17:08:11 -
Dr. B, in such a public role and prestigious position why would you want to reveal this kind of detail to the public? Are you not concerned what future patients may think?
Submitted by: paul, 06/27/2008 17:05:48 -
I thought the show was great! Dr. Bethea, you seem like a sweetheart. Very caring for your patients and family. Hopefully things will work out for you and your wife. If not, her loss, from the looks of her you could do way better!!!!!!!!
Submitted by: Lynn, 06/27/2008 16:43:00 -
Two things, the first is that I am disgusted by some of the comments from people who have said things that are clearly racist. Some guy said it must have been so easy for you to get into medical school because of your background. I wonder if that person knows anything about medicine. You don't become a great surgeon just because went to medical school, but because you have the ability to be one. So I don't care if some over priviledged white american didn't get into med school and Dr. Q. did, because clearly he was the right choice in the end. The second is that I am 30 and I am embarking on a PhD in neuroscience and I was wondering if I should look into an MD as well. I don't really want to be a doctor with patients but would love to work in a clinical setting. What do you think is a good course?
Submitted by: Kevin Measor, 06/27/2008 16:42:35 -
How do i help my friend with bipolar disorder? He stopped taking his medicine two months ago because he cant afford health insurance. His moods change so frequently. One day he loves me, the next he ignores me. His car is usually kept so clean, but when i went to see him it was a mess, not like him. He started working out alot, and hes lost alot of weight. When i saw him upset the other day, i looked in his eyes and he seemed to not even be there. How do i show him hes getting worse without having him totally isolate himself. I think im the only one who knows the severity of his situation. How do i help? How can i get him help to pay for his medicine?
Submitted by: Kendall, 06/27/2008 16:33:38 -
How do i help a friend with bipolar disorder that wont listen to me and seems to be pulling back into isolation? He stopped taking his medication and the past two months has been very mean. His car that is usually kept clean and neat was a mess, he works out constantly and lost alot of weight. Sometimes hes so sweet and has a great outlook, then the next day changes his mind completely. How do i help?
Submitted by: Kendall, 06/27/2008 16:26:46 -
How long will it take Norman Peaks (Bayview/JBurtonBldg patient) to get the same attention and first class health care). TWrong is right! These are the kinds of stories about real people that tv viewers ought to know. Norman Peaks is a worthy man.He is in your loop.Mr Peaks' zest for life should be another great episode of "HOPKINS"
Submitted by: hilton o bostick, 06/27/2008 16:16:00 -
Just curious as to whether the gentleman with the brain tumor who had lost contact with his kids did indeed follow through and search for them after his successful surgery. Also, very proud of Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa and his accomplishments! Que Dios lo bendiga y siga guiandolo en su trabajo como cirujano.
Submitted by: bea, 06/27/2008 16:07:43 -
No question, but a comment. I'm concerned that the immigration laws were breached in order for the hero of the show to be glorified and receive an education in the US -- perhaps excluding the acceptance of a US citizen from rightful, deserving admission into medical school. Further, having successfully entered the US illegally and managing to be accepted into Medical School, it would seem that the better part of valor would be for him to return to his mother country LEAGALLY and serve his own people with the expertise he gained here! Much too graphic and explicit -- save us from the gory details. Further, I'm interested in how the meds serve people and save lives -- not so interested in knowing the details of their private lives and relationships. These kinds of shows paint them hardly more than "trash"! I don't need to know that! We won't be tuning in to future episodes. Sorry.
Submitted by: Richard R. Williams, 06/27/2008 15:27:11 -
Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa
Submitted by: Gabby, 06/27/2008 15:06:48
It is so fantastic to have a Mexican American on the show. I am so glade to see that your story and life of where you come from is herd it gives hope and ambition to others that are in the same place today where you were years ago. My question to you is why do you think other Mexican Americans don’t seem to reach for a higher education? Also, from the background you come from what made you want to become a doctor? There are so many people that will say and dream to become a doctor but never do …What drove you everyday to become a doctor and get it done? Another question if you could give advice to the Mexicans Americans that are struggling today what would it be and why?
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Bravo for showing such a possitive histpanic American figure such as Dr. Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa! I only wish the media would show more outstanding hispanic American people like him. Please keep him on the show. My great-granparents came to the USA from mexico. They struggled a lot but now the gerations after them are so blessed. I will be forever grateful to them for what they did.
Submitted by: Cristina Miller, 06/27/2008 14:33:51 -
I have been suffering from severe "cluster headaches" for five years. A recent MRI w/contrast showed lesions on my left parietal lobe. The pain is excruciating and it is robbing me of my life and the lives of my children. A recent attack caused the right side of my face to sag. The ER doctor told me this is normal and common. I have never encountered this sensation in the five years I have battled with these headaches. The pain is there 24/7, sometimes manageable but most of the time debilitating. I am losing my memory and have a lot of trouble finding the correct words when I speak. How can this be normal? I feel like I must fight to be treated and taken seriously. How can I get Dr. Quinones-Hinojosa to look over my tests and examine me? After one episode, I could see the conviction and caring in his eyes with each of his patients. All doctors should be this way whether it's a case of the sniffles or severe unexplainable pain. I want to be on the road to wellness and am desperate for a doctor that can explain to me what is happening to me and how we can fix it. Thank You.
Submitted by: Laura Brack, 06/27/2008 14:33:17 -
Loved the show. You seem like a great doctor and person. Your family struggles seemed very geniun on the show. So why talk so openly about your possible divorse on a reality show? What made you decide to do this? Just wondering.
Submitted by: Cristina Miller, 06/27/2008 14:27:28 -
Dr. Bethea: You seemed to flirt with most of the women on the show. You did this knowing you were on camera. What are you like off camera? Completely worthless???
Submitted by: Barry, 06/27/2008 14:20:40 -
Dr. Brian B: You are a great Dr., but a show called Hopkins, would lead one to think, that it would be based on medical breakthroughs, and the great things this hospital and doctors have accomplished. Not a Doctors personal life. It is not your fault though, that is what ABC must want, another ABC GENERAL HOSPITAL SOAP OPERA.
Submitted by: Mike, 06/27/2008 14:05:25 -
I want to be a surgeon (leaning towards neurosurgeon but anything can change my mind). I just want to know if I have what it takes to become one. WHAT do you need to have? i.e patience, determination. Also, Dr. Bethea, my parents are currently separating. My age gives me a boost in understanding but WHY jump to divorce? Separation is almost exactly the same except you don't have to use the Big D word. But staying together for the kids and arguing shows them a non-healthy relationship.
Submitted by: Abigail, 06/27/2008 14:01:19 -
I'm a microbiology student with hopes of being a doctor, I was just wondering how you decided which specialty to become, does it really just come to you and you just know? Also, is it possible to be a good doctor and be a good mother and wife. Everyone always tells me that I will have to pick, but I want them both.. just wondering how you do it.
Submitted by: Megan Nagle, 06/27/2008 13:59:35 -
Looking back..........was it worth the sacrifice............would you change anything and what if you could do it over again (becoming a physician) would you do different?
Submitted by: Teresa, 06/27/2008 13:46:37 -
What has been the hardest thing to deal with in your career and how has it helped you become a better doctor?
Submitted by: Nicolette, 06/27/2008 13:36:37 -
No question--just disappointed that ABC TV led viewers to believe that the brain surgery was done at Johns Hopkins--It was done at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center of which I am a proud employee////
Submitted by: nancy neukam, 06/27/2008 13:04:59 -
What ever happened with the test results of the blood in your eye incident?
Submitted by: Debbie , 06/26/2008 23:50:49 -
Dr. Brian B: Do you really have to get a divorce from Amber?
Submitted by: Ann, 06/26/2008 23:15:59
This will break your children's hearts! Please, think this over
very carefully, get lots of sleep too, before you decide to do this
dreadful thing. Please! -
No question, really, just thank God that Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa jumped that fence.
Submitted by: Shelli Miller, 06/26/2008 22:26:14
Voting and commenting is closed for this episode.